Miami at Florida odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami at Florida odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators open their 2024 NCAA football seasons Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Miami vs. Florida odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hurricanes hit the road to battle the in-state rival Gators. Miami has one of the top transfer portal additions with QB Cam Ward joining the Canes, while the team also added RB Damien Martinez from Oregon State. Casual fans might not be too excited by those moves, but they might be the 2 most important additions in the ACC.

Defensively, the Canes really struggled last season in the secondary, and that’s the biggest question heading into 2024. The front 7 will certainly be stout, and a late addition of Simeon Barrow from Michigan State bolsters the defensive line further.

The Gators won just 5 games last season, and obviously missed a bowl game. Coach Billy Napier heads into the season with a lot of pressure. QB Graham Mertz was surprisingly effective in 2023, and he should jell nicely with WR Eugene Wilson III for big things. RB Montrell Johnson is back to lead the run game.

The Florida defense had a rough time last season, especially trying to stop the run. Like all other programs, the Gators looked to the portal to fill gaps, but the jury is definitely out.

Miami is No. 19 in the US LBM Coaches Poll — conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports.

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Miami at Florida odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:41 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Miami -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Florida +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Miami -2.5 (-115) | Florida +2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Miami at Florida picks and predictions

Prediction

Miami 30, Florida 23

Moneyline

MIAMI (-145) is a good play if you’re a little on the conservative side, and you would rather not mess around with the points in a game which could potentially be close.

Opening on the road in a tough environment against an in-state rival is a difficult spot. However, on paper, the Hurricanes should be much, much better than Florida (+120).

Against the spread

Back MIAMI -2.5 (-115) laying the points, if you’re a more traditional bettor.

The Hurricanes haven’t visited Gainesville since Sept. 6, 2008, and it lost 26-3 that day. But things have changed significantly, as Florida +2.5 (-115) is a little toothless these days, winning just 11 times in the past 25 games across 2 seasons under Napier’s tutelage.

The Hurricanes look to get off to a fast start with Ward under center, and he could be one of the more exciting players in the entire conference.

Over/Under

The UNDER 54 (-110) is a strong play despite the fact both of these teams have their flaws on defense.

Florida struggled to stop the opposition in the run game in 2023, including more than 200 yards per game on the ground in SEC play. Miami had a difficult time containing the pass game, and it remains to be seen whether the 2024 additions in the secondary will do the trick.

Still, we should see enough D to just hit the Under, but be prepared to sweat it out.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

2024 Belmont Stakes odds, picks and predictions

What are the best 2024 Belmont Stakes bets to make for Saturday’s 156th running at Saratoga Race Course?

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Belmont Stakes will run Saturday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. It’s the 156th running of the third jewel in the American Triple Crown of horse racing. Live coverage begins on FS1 at 10:30 a.m. ET before coverage shifts to FOX at 4 p.m. Post time for the Belmont Stakes is approximately 6:41 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze DraftKings Sportsbook lines around the 2024 Belmont Stakes odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

Belmont Stakes: What you need to know

  • Mystik Dan (+500) won the Kentucky Derby winner, ending up 2nd at the Preakness Stakes. The 3-year-old goes off from Post 3
  • Seize the Grey (+800), winner of the Preakness, starts from inside at Post 1
  • Sierra Leone (+180) is considered the favorite. The Chad Brown-trained horse will have jockey Flavien Prat aboard
  • This race takes place at Saratoga Race Course in 2024 and 2025 due to renovations at Belmont Park
  • The length of the race has been shortened from 1½ miles to 1 1/4 miles due to the difference in track circumference
  • The winner of Saturday’s race wins a record $1.2 million, up from $900K in 2023, and the top 8 horses receive a share of the purse
  • The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 60’s with a 15 percent chance of precipitation, 12-15 mph winds and dry track conditions

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Belmont Stakes – Expert pick

Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:29 a.m. ET.

SIERRA LEONE (+180) is the chalk. The 3-year-old colt is the safest play. This horse, sired by Gun Runner, has 3 starts this year. After a win at the Fair Grounds outside of the New Orleans at the Risen Star Stakes, and a victory at the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Sierra Leone had to settle for 2nd at the Kentucky Derby.

The Brown-trained horse did not run at the Preakness, so Sierra Leone is rested and raring to go. The colt should enjoy the dry, fast conditions.

Belmont Stakes – Contender

If you’re a little more adventurous, consider MINDFRAME (+350), a Todd Pletcher-trained 3-year-old colt, which will have Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.

This horse hasn’t run a lot of races, which is a bit of a concern. However, this horse is 2-for-2 on the 2024 race calendar, winning a Maiden Special Weight race at Gulfstream Park back in late March, while racing to an Allowance Optional Claiming race in early May at Churchill Downs.

Ortiz knows how to get the most out of his ride, and this trainer/jockey combination won the Belmont Stakes with Mo Donegal in 2022. Ortiz Jr. was aboard Creator in 2016, too, for his 2nd Belmont win.

Belmont Stakes – Long shot

When hunting for a long-shot play, we have a little jingle to sing on your way to the window: “I am a contrarian, let’s go ANTIQUARIAN (+1200)!”

The 3-year-old colt is another Pletcher-trained horse, and John R. Velazquez will be aboard for the Belmont. Velazquez was aboard Union Rags for a Belmont win in 2012, and he is no stranger to the winner’s circle in Triple Crown races.

Antiquarian was lightning-quick at the Peter Pan Stakes, while also picking up a Maiden Special Weight victory at the Fair Grounds in mid-February in a race with a sluggish pace.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]

2024 Preakness Stakes odds, picks and predictions

What are the best 2024 Preakness Stakes bets to make for Saturday’s 149th running at Pimlico Race Course?

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 2024 Preakness Stakes will run Saturday afternoon at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. It’s the 149th running of the second jewel in the American Triple Crown of horse racing. Live coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET (CNBC/Peacock), before coverage shifts to the main network at 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock), with post time for the Preakness Stakes at approximately 7:01 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze DraftKings Sportsbook lines around the 2024 Preakness Stakes odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

Preakness Stakes: What you need to know

  • Mystik Dan (+250), the Kentucky Derby winner, is the favorite as the 3-year-old colt looks to secure the 2nd jewel of the Triple Crown
  • Catching Freedom (+600) has the 2nd-shortest odds, tied with Imagination (+600), after finishing 4th at the Kentucky Derby 2 weeks ago
  • Flavian Prat is the jockey aboard Catching Freedom. He won the 2021 Preakness Stakes aboard Rombauer
  • Tyler Gaffalione is riding Tuscan Gold (+800). He won the 2019 Preakness Stakes while riding War of Will
  • Just Steel (+1500) and Seize the Grey (+1500) are each D. Wayne Lukas-trained colts. Just Steel tumbled to 17th at the Kentucky Derby, while Seize the Grey make his Triple Crown debut
  • Muth was originally the favorite for Saturday’s race but was scratched earlier in the week due to an elevated temperature
  • The forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of rain from 5 a.m. through 1 p.m. ET, tapering off to 30 percent by post time for the main race around 7 p.m. ET
  • The Preakness is the shortest of the Triple Crown races at 1 and 3/16 miles, so it’s a good idea to focus on faster horses

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Preakness Stakes – Expert pick

Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:39 p.m. ET.

CATCHING FREEDOM (+600) is worth a roll of the dice as the 3-year-old is a much better value than the favorite Mystik Dan. Prat is on board Catching Freedom, and he has the most recent Preakness win among all of the active jockeys in this year’s installment.

Catching Freedom finished just outside the top 3, ending up 4th in the lightning-quick Kentucky Derby 2 weeks ago. Since Oct. 2023, Catching Freedom has picked up 3 wins in 6 races, including a victory at the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds in late March, as well as the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on New Year’s Day.

Preakness Stakes – Contender

If you’re looking for a contender that many might not be talking about, consider TUSCAN GOLD (+800) with Gaffalione on board. He was on board War of Will in 2019 for the Preakness Stakes win, and he is 1 of 2 jockeys in this field with a win in the 2nd race of the Triple Crown.

Tuscan Gold has just 3 races since Nov. 2023, with a victory at Gulfstream Park in a Maiden Special Weight race Jan. 31, while he finished 3rd in the Louisiana Derby, 2 spots behind Catching Freedom, in late March.

Preakness Stakes – Long shot

If you’re looking for a long shot, consider JUST STEEL (+1500). If it were a dry track, there would be no sense backing the Lukas-trained colt. But Just Steel, sired by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, has won both of his previous races on a wet track. We should have considerable slop at Pimlico Saturday, which might slow things down and give Just Steel a chance at the victory.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]

Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Promo | Up to $1000 in Bonus Bets for NASCAR Kansas, Royals Odds

Bet and get up to $1000 in bonus bets with Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo. Claim this Fanatics Kansas promo for NASACAR at Kansas, Royals odds, NBA and more!

[gambcom-region rankid=”5055″ country=”us” region=”ks”]

With the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo, you can get up to $1,000 in bonus bets when you open a new account. Take advantage of the “Bet $100, Get $100” introductory offer.

Bettors in Kansas can use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo offer to make a wager on today’s Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the host Denver Nuggets, Sunday’s big NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway, the AdventHealth 400, or anything else of interest.

For the first 10 days after registration, just place a qualifying bet on any game. Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas will match your daily bet with a bonus-bet credit up to $100 a day for your first 10 days as a new customer – allowing you to earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

The Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo sets itself apart from other sportsbook promo codes with this welcome offer. The bonus is spread out, which gives you a chance to plan a betting strategy over 10 days. You can start with the NBA or Stanley Cup Playoffs. Make sure you include a bet or two on the Kansas City Royals, who are playing well out of the gate and challenging for the lead in Major League Baseball’s AL Central.

[gambcom-region rankid=”5055″ country=”us” region=”ks”]

How to Register & Get Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Promo

📱 Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Promo CLICK HERE
🤑 Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Bonus Bet $100, Get $100
Terms & Conditions New customers 21 and over in KS; first bet must be at least $5 with odds of -200 or greater; bonus bet expires after seven days.
✔️ Last verified May 4

The Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo has one of the most attractive introductory offers and an easy registration process.

  1. Tap any of the BET NOW buttons in this review to be directed to the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas sign-up page. From there click “Get Started”.
  2. You’ll need to scan the QR code and download the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Provide the basic information to complete the registration form.
  3. There’s no need to provide a Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo code. When you click one of our BET NOW links, the welcome offer is automatically applied to your account.
  4. Choose Kansas as your state and complete the rest of the registration as directed. You must be 21 of over to participate.
  5. Make a minimum deposit of $5 and now you’re ready to roll with one of the sports betting apps.

[gambcom-region rankid=”5055″ country=”us” region=”ks”]

Terms & Conditions for $1000 Bonus-Bet Offer with Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Promo

By using the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo to open an account and make your first bet, you will have that wager matched with a bonus bet up to $100 for the first 10 days after registration. That offer gives you the chance to accumulate up to $1,000 in bonus bets from Fanatics Sportsbook.

There are some odds restrictions to be aware of with the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo. Make sure your opening bet each day is a minimum of $5 and is on any market of -200 odds or longer to qualify. That means that a bet at -150 would qualify, but one at -250 would not. Additionally, you will be automatically entered for the promo on your first day as a new customer, but you must choose to manually opt into the offer each of the next nine consecutive days.

If your first bet with the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo is a $100 moneyline bet on the Nuggets after checking out NBA odds on one of the leading NBA betting sites, you will receive a bonus bet for $100 from Fanatics if the odds on the Nuggets are -200 or longer at the time you place the bet. It doesn’t matter if your bet wins or not; the bonus bet is guaranteed and should arrive in your account within about 72 hours of your bet settling.

The Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo has a 1x playthrough that puts cash in your account after a single win with a bonus bet. The bet credits expire after seven days.

[gambcom-region rankid=”5055″ country=”us” region=”ks”]

Bet on NASCAR, UFC 301, MLB Odds, FanCash & More with Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas Promo

After opening your account using the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo, you will get access to all the great features available from one of the best online sportsbooks.

Bet on any of the great NBA playoffs action this weekend, watch for games in the NHL playoffs that get your attention, UFC 301 on Saturday night from Brazil with one of the top UFC betting sites, or the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Also note you can still bet on the PGA Tour stop this week in Texas, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, using one of leading golf betting sites.

Make sure you use FanCash, the rewards program you’ll find because you used the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo to start your account. You will earn FanCash every time you place a bet at the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas app. You will get 1% back in FanCash on straight bets, 3% on standard parlays and 5% on same-game parlays, win or lose. You can convert your FanCash to bonus-bet credits or you can use it to purchase items at Fanatics.com.

In MLB, the Royals are in the middle of a weekend series at home against the world champion Texas Rangers. With so much going on this weekend, the choices are endless. And the welcome offer with the Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas promo is ready to match your bets for the next 10 days. Get started by clicking on one of our BET NOW links and you can bet and get up to $1,000 in bonus bets from Fanatics Sportsbook Kansas. Sign up now and bet today!

[gambcom-region rankid=”5055″ country=”us” region=”ks”]

[lawrence-newsletter]

2024 Kentucky Derby odds, picks and predictions

What are the best 2024 Kentucky Derby bets to make for Saturday’s 150th Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs?

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4727″ ]

It’s time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby, which will be the 150th installment of the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It’s the first jewel in the American Triple Crown of horse racing. Live coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET (NBC), with post time for the Kentucky Derby at approximately 6:57 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze DraftKings Sportsbook lines around the 2024 Kentucky Derby odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

Kentucky Derby: What you need to know

  • The weather forecast calls for a temperature around 80 degrees, with a 35 percent chance of precipitation
  • Encino, a Brad Cox-trained horse, has been scratched at the advice of a veterinarian due to a non-life threatening leg sprain. He had won 3 of his past 4 starts
  • Epic Ride (48-1), the first alternate, will move into the field in place of Encino, starting from Post 20
  • Fierceness (3-1), a Todd Pletched-trained horse, will now go off from Post 16 after Encino’s scratch, rather than “unlucky” Post 17. Fierceness won the Florida Derby by 13½ lengths
  • Post 17 is the only spot in the field which a horse has never won in 150 running of the Kentucky Derby. Stronghold (32-1) will now start from Post 17 instead of Fierceness
  • West Saratoga (27-1) resides in Barn 42, the same location Seattle Slew stayed before winning the 1977 Kentucky Derby and, eventually, the triple crown. He is trained by Larry Demeritte, just the 2nd black trainer since 1951 to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby
  • Sierra Leone (5-1), is ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione. He has been the leading rider at Churchill Downs 11 times, but in 6 mounts at the Kentucky Derby, his average finish is 14th
  • Jockey Flavien Prat is aboard Catching Freedom (8-1). He rode Country House to the 2019 Kentucky Derby win
  • Just a Touch (11-1) has great blood lines, as he was sired by 2018 American Triple Crown winner Justify
  • Domestic Product (28-1) is a Chad Brown-trained horse, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. He won the Tampa Bay Derby (March 30) in his most recent race, while finishing 2nd in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream (Feb. 3)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Kentucky Derby – Expert pick

Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:21 p.m. ET.

FIERCENESS (+300) is one of the speediest horses in the field. He has won 3 of his past 5 races, including a victory in the Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (Grade 1), with a E Speed Figure of 110.

Fierceness is a Todd Pletcher-trained horse, ridden by John Velazquez. That trainer-jockey combination won with Always Dreaming in the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and Velazquez was aboard Authentic in 2020. Velazquez also steered Animal Kingdom to the winner’s circle in 2011 at the Derby.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Kentucky Derby – Contender

If you’re a little more adventurous, and not interested in the favorites, or those with short odds, then JUST A TOUCH (+1100) might be more your speed.

The colt has amazing bloodlines, with 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify as the sire, and he was produced from the Tapit mare Touching Beauty.

Just a Touch won the Maiden Special Weight race in late January at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, while placing at both the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, and the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Kentucky Derby – Exacta pick

FIERCENESS and JUST A TOUCH ($2 EXACTA)

These are my 2 favorite horses in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field. Fierceness is lightning-quick, while Just a Touch has all of the bloodlines.

If you bet a straight exacta, you’ll be betting on the exact order. So, if you take Fierceness to win, Just a Touch must also come in 2nd for your bet to win.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]

2023 Belmont Stakes odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Saturday’s 2023 Belmont Stakes, with expert picks and predictions.

It’s time for the 2023 Belmont Stakes, which will be the 155th running of “The Run for the Carnations” at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., Saturday. It’s the 3rd and final jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing — post time approximately 7:02 p.m. ET (NBC).

Mage, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, is not in the field of 9 horses. However, National Treasure, the Bob Baffert-trained horse, is. That combination won at the 2023 Preakness Stakes in Baltimore in late May.

Mo Donegal, ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., and trained by Todd Pletcher, won the 2022 Belmont Stakes. Ortiz and Fletcher again team up in this race, with the favorite Forte (+250). Forte was scratched at the Kentucky Derby due to bruised right foot.

Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Preakness odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Belmont Stakes: What you need to know

  • Pletcher saw Mo Donegal win at Belmont last season, and he has 4 victories since Rags to Riches won the 3rd leg of the Triple Crown back in 2007
  • John Velazquez, who won the Preakness aboard National Treasure, has won at Belmont twice, including Pletcher’s Rags to Riches in 2007. Velazquez also won aboard Union Rags in 2012
  • Baffert was the winning trainer at the Belmont in 2018 with Justify, as well as in 2015 with Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah. He also won with Point Given in 2001
  • Luis Saez, who won aboard Essential Quality in 2021 for trainer Brad Cox, will ride Tapit Trice (+300), the horse with the 2nd-shortest odds
  • Manny Franco, who was the winning jockey in 2020 with Tiz the Law, will look to grab another win with Hit Show (+1000) and the trainer Cox

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3679″  ]

2023 Belmont Stakes – Expert pick

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:37 a.m. ET.

Favorites have ended up winning the Belmont Stakes at a 42.9% clip in the previous 154 installments. That’s a great sign for FORTE (+250), who returns from a 10-week absence after being scratched from the Kentucky Derby.

Ortiz and Pletcher look to become the first jockey and trainer combination to win consecutive Belmont Stakes races since jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. and trainer Woody Stephens won 3 straight Belmonts from 1982-84 with Conquistador Cielo, Caveat and Swale.

2023 Belmont Stakes – Long shot

If you want to be a little more adventurous, take a flier on HIT SHOW (+1000).

There really aren’t a lot of long shots. Even Il Miracolo (+3000) isn’t a super long shot. Franco knows how to win at Belmont, and so does Cox. These 2 have both been to the Winner’s Circle since 2020, and they’ll look to team up for their first Belmont win together.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]

2023 Preakness Stakes odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Saturday’s 2023 Preakness Stakes, with expert picks and predictions.

It’s time for the 2023 Preakness Stakes, which will be the 148th running of “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore Saturday. It’s the 2nd jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing — post time approximately 7:01 p.m. ET (NBC).

First Mission, who had the 2nd-shortest odds, has been scratched due to a hind leg injury. With Forte also scratched late from the Kentucky Derby, and ineligible to run at the Preakness, the field for the race is down to just 7 horses.

Mage, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, is still alive to be the 14th Triple Crown winner. He remains the favorite for the Preakness at 8/5, or +160.

Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Preakness odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Preakness Stakes: What you need to know

  • We had 18 horses run in the Kentucky Derby, but most of those horses elected to skip the Preakness. Mage is the only horse to run at Churchill Downs and Pimlico this season
  • Javier Castellano, jockey for Mage, has won the Preakness twice before, winning in 2017 with Cloud Computing, and 2006 with Bernadini
  • Bob Baffert was not at Churchill Downs due to his suspension, but he is the trainer for National Treasure (+400), with jockey John Velazquez
  • Since 1997, Baffert has been to the winner’s circle 7 times, with the most recent victory in 2018 with Justify
  • Blazing Sevens, ridden by Irad Ortiz, has the 3rd-shortest odds. Trainer Chad Brown won the Preakness last season, and he was the trainer for Cloud Computing in 2017

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3679″  ]

2023 Preakness Stakes – Expert pick

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Mage (+160) is the chalk at Pimlico, and that’s not for me. I am riding with NATIONAL TREASURE (+400), as Baffert looks for a little redemption after missing the Kentucky Derby due to his ongoing suspension from Churchill Downs.

National Treasure will send Baffert to the winner’s circle for the first time since the Santa Maria Stakes April 29, and we will have no possibility of a Triple Crown winner in 2023.

2023 Preakness Stakes – Long shot

If you’re looking for a bit of a long shot play, roll the dice on RED ROUTE ONE (+1000), the horse with the 4th-longest odds in the field of 7.

The Steven Asmussen-trained horse will have Joel Rosario on board. Rosario won the Miss Preakness Friday with Maple Leaf Mel, and he also won the Bewitch G3 at Keeneland, Oaklawn Handicap and Apple Blossom Handicap in the past month.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]

2023 Kentucky Derby odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Saturday’s 2023 Kentucky Derby, with expert picks and predictions.

Update 10:46 a.m. ET: Early favorite Forte — at 3-1 — was scratched Saturday morning over concerns of a bruised right front foot.

Original column below (published 6:03 a.m. ET)

It’s time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, which will be the 149th running of the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It’s the first jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing.

Practical Move, one of the Derby favorites, was scratched Thursday due to an elevated temperature. Practical Move was listed with the 4th-shortest odds at most sportsbook. With his exit, Cyclone Mischief was added to the field for Saturday’s event.

Skinner was also scratched due to a high temperature, joining Lord Miles and Continuar. The latter was scratched after his trainer said the horse was not in top form to run. As far as Lord Miles is concerned, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended indefinitely by Churchill Downs due to the death of 2 of his horses at the track after recent races.

Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Kentucky Derby odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Kentucky Derby: What you need to know

  • The last time we had 4 horses scratched from the Kentucky Derby was 2015, the year American Pharoah won
  • Hit Show will be in post position 1, ridden by jockey Manny Franco
  • Opening favorite Forte goes off from post position 15, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. Forte was the winner of the Florida Derby
  • Japanese jockey Kazushi Kimura will be upon the back of NAR entrant Mandarin Hero
  • Last year’s winner, Rich Strike, had the 2nd-longest odds of a Derby winner at 80-to-1
  • Trainer Bob Baffert has won 2 of the past 5 Kentucky Derbys, and 6 times overall, tying Ben A. Jones for the all-time record. However, Baffert does not have a horse in the race for the 2nd year in a row due to a legal fight and lawsuit as a result of a 2-year suspension following the 2021 Kentucky Derby for a drug detected in a post-race test
  • Jockey John Velazquez, who rode Baffert steed Authentic in 2021, will be aboard Reincarnate Saturday. He was also aboard Medina Spirit in 2022, but that win was stripped to the aforementioned positive drug test
  • Trainer Todd Pletcher has 3 entries in the Derby: Forte, Kingsbarns and Tapit Trice

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3679″  ]

2023 Kentucky Derby – Expert pick

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:48 a.m. ET.

Forte (+300) is the favorite, but betting the favorite is no fun. While Ortiz Jr. is a decorate jockey, he has yet to win at the Kentucky Derby.

I’m focusing on ANGEL OF EMPIRE (+800), the winner of the Arkansas Derby. Jockey Flavien Prat rode Country House to victory at the 2019 Kentucky Derby. The Brad Cox-trained horse won the Risen Star G2 race at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans in mid-February.

2023 Kentucky Derby – Long shot

If you want a long shot pick, roll the dice on REINCARNATE (+5000).

As mentioned, Velazquez will be aboard Reincarnate, the Tim Yakteen-trained horse. Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby in 2021 and 2022, but Medina Spirit was later stripped of the victory due to a positive drug test. That’s not Velazquez’s problem or doing. He is a proven winner, and he knows how to get the most out of his ride. Velazquez was also aboard Always Dreaming in 2017 and Animal Kingdom in 2011.

2023 Kentucky Derby prop pick

EXACTA – ANGEL OF EMPIRE AND REINCARNATE

Playing the No. 14 horse Angel of Empire to win, and No. 7 Reincarnate to come in second in that exact order nets a potential return of $408 on a simple $1 bet.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=51680]